Pulling into Beckett auto repair, Aubrey was surprised to see a familiar black pick up truck parked in the lot. After parking the car in her usual spot, she walked inside the building to see the door to the locker rooms. Her curiosity got the best of her as she made her way through the rows of lockers to see Jax, shirtless, washing his face by the sinks.
 
The view was magnificent. You could see all the muscles of his well built body working and moving in unison as he moved to dry of his face with a paper towel. She bit her lip while she leaned against the wall, and folded over her chest. This was so inappropriate but she couldn’t stop, just like the kiss the other night. He turned around to reach for more paper towels and she noticed the giant reaper tattoo covering a majority of his back. “Sons of Anarchy” written over the top. “California” written across the bottom.
 
“Liking the view?”
 
He asked with an all knowing smirk. She laughed lowly as she lowered her eyes to the ground. Shit. Caught red handed. Feeling the heat rising to her cheeks, she cleared her throat before looking back up at him.
 
“You’re here early.”
 
Quickly changing the subject, Aubrey stood up straighter. Averting her eyes from his body and trying to keep his focus on his face. Whenever they got a moment alone, she was more and more drawn to him but she couldn’t figure out why. He was troubled but the mysterious bad boy vibe that came off of him kept her coming back for more. When she wasn’t on the clock of course.
 
“After so many warnings, I figured I owed it to you.”
 
Jax stepped closer to her, his body heat practically radiating against her, while he reached down on the bench next to her to grab his t-shirt. Pulling it slowly over his head, he knew exactly what he was doing. She could see his eyes watching her the whole time, glimmering with pride at the effect he had on people. He wasn’t blind to the way he turned heads, but he also never seemed to care.. That was until now.
 
There was something different in his eyes today. Like he’d finally woken up on the right side of the bed. It was interest. He was actually showing interest. Something she had yet to see in the weeks he’d been in town. It actually brought a smile to her face, knowing that he would finally be having a good day.
 
“Well I appreciate that.”
 
“Anything for you, darlin’. Hey, you like donuts? I got some for you. ”
 
Taken aback by the gesture, Aubrey’s face scrunched in confusion as she wondered if she heard him correctly. Donuts for her?
 
“Well,for you and Andy. You’ve been so great about everything. Least I could do. ”
 
“You really didn’t have to Teller, but thank you. I appreciate that. Don’t think this gets you off the hook though.”
 
“Wouldn’t dream of it, boss.”
 

 
Jax didn’t know why he woke up in the mood he did. Maybe it was the fact that he hadn’t drank that night, or that he was starting to feel like a new man. Like it was a new day that he could actually start a new chapter of his life. After a morning shower and some breakfast from Norma, he was out the door and ready for work – even stopping along the way to get donuts for Andy and Aubrey for all they’d done for him.
 
While getting ready in the locker rooms, he heard someone enter and he wasn’t surprised to see Aubrey. He knew she was a first in last out type of person, but what did grab his attention was how flustered she was when he’d caught her staring. It felt good knowing his body was holding up well with all the abuse he’d been causing it, and to make a girl like Aubrey blush at the mention felt pretty damn good. She was cute when she blushed. Different  from her normally harsh exterior. Her smile was childlike and pure. Innocent. With the rose color of her cheeks, it was the most beautiful thing he’d laid eyes on.
 
She was quick to leave after he’d mentioned donuts, but he doubted she was going for the snacks. Her eyes had strained trying to focus on his face rather than his abs and that was something he could work with. Who knew, maybe they could keep a civil thing going after all.
 
He’d put his shirt back on and his work coverall and followed upstairs shortly after her to work on a car him and Jim couldn’t quite finish yesterday. As knowledgeable as they both were with cars, finding the problem just seemed impossible, but it gave him something to keep his focus on for most of the day. He liked longstanding projects. It kept his mind from wandering to the deep dark thoughts that only hard liquor could mask. Working on cars gave him the release he needed. Who knew?
 
“Having trouble?”
 
He heard the sweet sound of her voice from the other side of the car. Pulling out from under the hood his eyes took her in again. There was a spark in her eye that was never there for him. It was one of those things only others got the pleasure of seeing but this time, it was for him. All for him. He could get used to alone time with her. It was actually enjoyable. He chuckled lowly as his hand ran through his hair, combing it back.
 
“Yeah, can’t seem to figure out what the problem is.”
 
“Jim was telling me about this one yesterday, did you try replacing the Oxygen sensors?”
 
Jax raised an eyebrow. He didn’t know why he was surprised by her own understanding of cars seeing as she was raised around it – but still, he was amazed. Of course Andy’s daughter would know a thing of two. He wouldn’t be shocked if Aubrey knew how to survive an apocalypse, but damn, why hadn’t he thought of the O2 sensor.
 
“No, but that’s probably all that needs to be done. Thanks.”
 
He smiled. Her perfectly straight teeth flashed again and he could feel himself blushing this time. He didn’t know what it was but he was liking this feeling. Aubrey moved closer to him to take another look and despite the smell of metal and grease that usually filled the garage, her sweet smelling perfume completely took over. He watched her start to investigate on her own, not a care in the world if her clothes for the day were getting dirty. It was impressive, she was clean and precise. He had to admit it was the sexiest thing in the world. With his arms folded over his chest, he leaned back against one of the metal carts holding the tools and watched, chewing on his bottom lip to keep from smiling any more than he already was. At that point, he was starting to feel like a creep.
 
“That should do it.”
 
Aubrey scooted out from under the car and brushed her hands along her shorts. She softly huffed out a breath to blow her bangs out of her face as she readjusted her clothing. Spotting a bit of grease on her cheek, Jax took a step closer, his thumb brushing gently along it to wipe the smudge off of her face. He could see her hesitate for a moment before she realized what he was doing, but her eyes never left his. It was a wonder he could feel anything with his rough calloused hands, but the feel of her silk like skin was something he was glad he hadn’t missed. As his eyes met hers, she quickly took a step back and smiled nervously while moving her hair back behind her ear. It was a habit she had whenever she was nervous or uncomfortable.
 
“So, uh.. guess that frees you up to work on something else for the day. Jim should be happy about that.”
 
“Hey Aub, I like Jim and all – but don’t you think I could start workin’ on things myself? I mean shouldn’t my probation period be over by now?” As the words left his mouth, he instantly regretted it. A switch flipped and she was right back to being his boss. Shit. She laughed. It was a bitter laugh. A sarcastic one.
 
“It’s gonna take a lot more than one early day and some donuts before your probation period is over Teller. At least with Jim, I know you’ll be working your ass off. “
 
And then she was gone. Taking one last look at him over her shoulder before shutting the door to the office. With the lot soon filling in with the rest of the employees, it was be nearly impossible to get her alone again, but then again why would he want to? He had an overwhelming desire to go in there and talk to her for hours. She was actually smart, caring, funny. He hadn’t given a rat’s ass about anyone in months and now he wanted to buy her donuts and play nice?
 

 
The heat of midday South Carolina was excruciating. The minimal AC in the garage barely making a difference, but it was packed. Jax couldn’t wrap his head around how with a town so small, so many cars were always in need of service. Maybe it was the fact that most of the cars were at least 5 years old. Maybe nobody ever needed to buy a new car because they always kept up with the maintenance. Either way, what he really missed was working on bikes. That was the one downfall of this town. Nobody in or around had one. It was depressing really. His passion for riding was his whole purpose in life at one point. It defined who he was. Now he was itching to get his hands on one but it would just be another reminder to his devastating past failures.
 
“Teller! Time for your break.” Aubrey called out from the doorway to the office, her focus still on the paperwork in her hand, not bothering to look up before she went back inside.
 
“Don’t seem like she’s in the greatest of moods today.” Jim huffed from behind him as the younger man stood to wipe his hands on a rag.
 
“Seemed fine this morning,” Jax returned with a shrug.
 
“Lot can change in a few hours. Better get goin’ before she calls out again.”
 
With another careless shrug, Jax made his way out of the garage and headed towards the locker room. Have a sandwich or a pizza was all that was on his mind besides water. LOTS and Lots of cold water just to beat this heat, but when walking past the closed doors of Andy’s office – Aubrey could be heard having a very hostile argument. Everyone of the employees were accounted for today and Andy wasn’t in so Jax could only assume she was on the phone, which was soon confirmed after he heard her slamming it shut.
 
The last thing he wanted to do was seem like he was snooping around so he continued on his way down the stairs to change out of his overalls and wash up to grab some food. He knew first hand how much could change in just a few hours. One minute he was happily making love to his beautiful wife who he was going to send off to live a great life with his boys – the next minute she was lying dead on the floor in a pool of her blood. One minute he was being consoled by his mother over the loss – the next minute he found out she was responsible. He knew her situation couldn’t be as bad as his – hell nobody’s seemed to be – but that didn’t mean she didn’t have a right to be stressed or upset. His situation was extreme. It made him wonder if anybody could even relate, but if someone could, it wouldn’t be in this town. Part of that actually made him happy. He would never wish that on his worst enemy.
 
Footsteps broke him out of his thoughts only to see Aubrey coming down and washing her face with some cool water. He quietly shut his locker and walked over to her, leaning on the wall next to the sink she was using.
 
“You alright?”
 
He didn’t know why he’d asked, but watching her patting her face dry with a paper towel while looking flustered drew his attention. He didn’t expect anything more than an ‘I’m fine’ from her but it couldn’t hurt to show interest. Besides, he didn’t like seeing her upset, though that was another topic that confused him even further.
 
“I’m fine.” She replied just as expected. Throwing the now damp paper in the bin she blew out a frustrated breath, moving wisps of hair that had fallen in her line of vision out of the way before she turned to look at him. “Shouldn’t you be at lunch.”
 
“I was on my way, you look like you could use a break though. My treat?”
 
You could see her contemplating the notion in her head. Her face scrunching in curiosity that he’d even cared to notice but then again it’s not like she’d tried very hard to hide her agitated appearance. It took her a moment to think of why she shouldn’t go to get lunch with him. They were getting to close. She was weirdly starting to develop feelings for him that she shouldn’t be having considering his track record on the job. She wasn’t even this chummy with the good employees let alone a less than mediocre one. But one reason alone made her say yes. She wanted to. It was as simple as that. Regardless of the thousand and one reasons she had not to.
 
“As long as you’re buying.”
 
His lips twitched into that infamous smirk he’d once done so well, as he nodded his head towards the doors and walked her out. Neither noticed the few looks from the others as they walked out through the front gate and out onto the street. He just hoped she wasn’t coming to regret her decision. It was just lunch but he knew how women thought much more into these things.
 
“Where’d you have in mind?”
 
“Minnie’s. I’ve been told it serves the best lunch in town.”
 
Jax smiled, repeating the words she’d said on his first day on the job. It brought a light smile on her face as well upon the realization. It was enchanting to see that even the faintest hint of a smile could light up her face. The spark in her blue eyes just adding to her natural glow. He found himself observing her features at times when she wouldn’t be looking. All the freckles on her face, the way she’d huff out a breath to move her hair from her eyes, the way her brows furrowed when she was intensely focused on something. He was captivated on all of her quirks.
 
“Ain’t that the truth.”
 
She boasted playfully as they started walking up the street. His hands hung by his side while hers were tucked into the pocket of her jean shorts, hints of tanned skin peeking through the rips. Though they walked together in comfortable silence, he could sense that she wasn’t all there. Aubrey was the type to take things personally. Stress would eat her alive with each dilemma because she took all the responsibility on herself. It wasn’t anything he was unfamiliar with either once being the president of SAMCRO but the more he found out about her, the more he could relate even if what they had in common weren’t ideal situations.
 
“So – “ She finally spoke, breaking their voiceless stroll down main street. “Those donuts were amazing by the way. Thank you.”
 
“Nah, it wasn’t a problem at all. I owe you a lot more than that.”
 
She shrugged her shoulders and shook her head with a small smile on her face. “The only thing I want from you is more days like today. You do that and it’ll repay anything you think you owe Andy and me.”
 
“I’ll see what I can do then.”
 
He laughed as he held the door open for her at Minnie’s and followed her to an open booth by the windows. Much like every day that he came in for lunch, Jenny approached their table with a bright smile on her face, though it faltered slightly when she saw Aubrey was accompanying him. Jenny was a sweet girl. She took pride in her job and knowing each of her regulars but he had noticed she paid a little more attention to him.
 
“What can I get for ya’ll?” She asked in her regularly cheerful tone.
 
“Hey, Jenny.” Aubrey smiled up at her before taking one more glance at the menu. “I’ll just have the all american with fries.”
 
Jax’s eyes widened slightly as a smile came to his face. Who knew this tiny little thing could eat? “I’ll have the same Jenny, thanks. Got quite the appetite don’t you?”
 
“You know how much I enjoy burgers. Can’t have one everyday but Minnie’s are my favorite.”
 
“Good to know.” He winked at her before smiling. “So you okay? Seems like your day ain’t as good as it started out.”
 
“Yeah.”
 
She lowered her eyes as her fingertips played with the corner of a sugar packet from the container left on the tables. He could tell she didn’t want to talk about it but he wanted to know what could be bothering her. It actually made him sad to know that she was having a bad day after how happy she looked this morning.
 
“It’s just legal stuff with the shop. My mother had rights to the shop too and we’ve been trying to get her to relinquish those rights just like she signed off on me and Andy but our lawyer hasn’t been able to get in touch with her for a few years.”
 
“So you guys are afraid that one day she’ll want part of the profits?”
 
“It’s better to be safe than sorry. We haven’t heard from her in years but who knows? Andy started this company from the bone up and when he retires it’ll be left to me then my children. If she someday decides she wants to come back or goes broke – it might ruin all of those plans.”
 
“I see. I’m sorry about that. What’s Andy saying about this whole thing?”
 
“You know Andy.” She shrugged. “He’s so carefree and I’m all for whatever keeps him off the bottle but it’s all left up to me.”
 
“You know you could always come to me if you need any help, Aub.”
 
“I wish you’d take your own advice on that one Mr. Dark and Depressed. You’re always trying to hide so much. Andy’s the way he is now because he let go of everything. I’m not saying you should talk to me or anyone if you’re not ready – but dying in your own misery isn’t okay.”
 
The conversation got dark pretty instantly. Aubrey was done holding back and sugar coating everything for him. This must’ve been what Andy was talking about. She’d been around him enough times to know something was up. Christ – everyone had at this point. Most just didn’t bring it up but that wasn’t Aubrey. Much like everything – she’d had enough. The only problem was, he couldn’t bare to see the look of horror and disgust on her beautiful face or from Andy or Norma and Jerry. These people liked the facade he had on when he was in public. The real Jax Teller was a monster that had to remain in the shadows.
 

 
Aubrey’s eyes shifted back and forth between the clock and her paperwork. Teller was late, AGAIN, but more than usual this time. His shift had started two hours ago. This was the last straw. This man was fired. His alluring baby blues weren’t going to get him out of this one. Ugh, those baby blues – the way they’d fixated on her, making her melt under his glare before his lips tasted hers. Shit, get it together Aubrey. He better be smarter than to think hitting on her and getting on her good side would get his ass off the hook. You could practically see the steam coming off of her head. This is why she didn’t get close to employees.
 
The loud ring of the office phone snapped her out of her thought. Clearing her throat she placed the phone between her ear and her shoulder, holding it up as she rifled through some sheets.
 
“Beckett Auto Repair, this is Aubrey.”
 
“Aubrey?” A frail voice sounded through the phone. “It’s Norma, sweetie. Is Jax there?”
 
She furrowed her eyebrows in irritation at the mention of his name. “No, he was supposed to be in 2 hours ago. Hasn’t showed.”
 
“He never came in last night. Jerry was up all night waiting for him. I hope he’s okay.”
 
“I’m sure he’s fine, Norma. Probably just stayed at his new house.” She could sense the panic in the older woman’s voice, but Jax wasn’t her responsibility.
 
“That’s just so unlike him. Regardless of what time it is – he always comes in. Should I call the sheriff’s office?”
 
“No. No need to make this bigger than it is. I’ll head over to his new place. Check if he’s over there.”
 
“Oh, would you please? Give me a call if you find him.”